What Is a Mouth Ulcer?

By james

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Most people will get a mouth ulcer, also called a canker sore, at least once in their lifetime. It is common for someone to notice one of these sores due to discomfort or by visually inspecting the mouth. In fact, as many as one-third of people are thought to struggle with them.

While mouth ulcers are often harmless and resolve themselves on their own, there are some cases that require medical attention. For people that are particularly concerned or uncomfortable, it helps to understand what causes mouth ulcers, how they are treated, and when to seek help.

1. What Is a Mouth Ulcer?

A mouth ulcer is a type of lesion or sore that can form on the cheeks, near the tongue, across the gumline, and on other parts of the mouth. There are several different types of mouth ulcers that can affect a person, including herpetiform, major, or minor canker sores.

These sores are distinct from cold sores, which are clusters of contagious blisters that often appear on the lips. Mouth ulcers are not contagious and can appear alone or in clusters. They are round in appearance with red edges and a pale inside. More severe sores are deeper with uneven edges. Typically, large groups of ulcers appear as small, pinpoint bumps.